If you have ever been curious about the origins and evolution of Greek mythology you are likely to be familiar with certain gods like Artemis, Ares Dionysos (Hephaestus), Zeus, Hades, and Ares. Here's a quick guide to these characters.
Artemis
Artemis, a Greek god of fertility and artemis, is one the twelve major Olympian Gods. She is the goddess associated with hunting, wild animals and the moon. She is also associated fertility, childbirth, virginity, and other aspects of life. Zeus's daughter, Leto, was also a Titaness. She was also one of the three major Virgin Goddesses.
Ares
Ares is one of the gods of war in Greek mythology. He was considered an ancestor of the Romans, as was Mars. He wore a tall plumed helmet and is associated with weapons, breastplates, and shields. His images have been used in many art forms, including contemporary and classical.
Dionysos
Dionysos (the god of wine) is an important figure within Greek mythology. Dionysus rode an elephant and was pulled by a pair a panthers in ancient Greek mythology. He was also associated 5 sacred plants: grapevine ivy bindweed, pine, and tree. His devotees carried wreaths with ivy, pine cones, and other sacred plants.
Hephaestus
Hephaestus is one of the most prominent Greek gods associated with arts and crafts. His workshop was under a volcano and he was known as the god of fire and crafts. Although Hephaestus was not physically perfect like most of the Olympian gods, he was known for his skill with a forge, weapons, and tools.
Hermes
Hermes was one of the Greek mythological gods. He was a trickster, patron of thieves, and merchant-patron. He moved freely between the worlds of Olympus and mortals, and was also associated with the underworld. He was also patron of roads and travellers.
Athena
Athena, a daughter Zeus's goddess of craft and crafts, is Athena. She also protects the king. Athena was originally an serpent-like goddess living on the Aegean shore. Athena was also known to be the goddess of Athens. She is the embodiment of reason and wisdom, and she was Zeus' favorite child.
Persephone
Persephone is the Greek mythological god Persephone. She is the goddess of love and spring. Zeus was her daughter. She was often associated scepters. Because she made death look kinder, her story also has allegorical resonance. She supported grieving heroes and lovers throughout her lifetime. She even granted Orpheus his beloved Eurydice and helped Psyche in her quest to earn back her beloved Eros.
Hercules
Hercules, the Greek mythology-based character, is a hero from many stories. He saved the princess Troy from a dangerous sea monster while he was alive. Zeus was also saved by him during the battle to control Olympus. His second labor was to defeat the Lernaean Hydra which Hera had created to kill Hercules. Hercules covered Hercules mouth and nose to keep the poisonous fumes out of his face. He then fired flaming missiles at Hydra's cave at the spring of Amymone.